Layoffs: How to not lose your confidence if you lose your job

Mass layoffs have left thousands of people stranded without jobs, and with a
heightened sense of self-doubt, stress, anxiety and even anger. It is important
to deal with the mental health effects of losing a job in a positive way. We’re
here to tell you how!

Layoffs are already the buzzword and hashtag of the season. As tech giants
Meta, Twitter, Disney and Amazon, among many other big and small fish in
the business ecosystem, undertake a firing spree, they are leaving several
employees emotionally and mentally wounded. For some, the financial anxiety
of losing a job is the real pinch. But for most, the emotional upheaval that a
layoff brings, is the deeper wound that takes time to heal. So, the question is,
how to deal with layoffs?
Losing a job, which not just pays off one’s bills but is a means to fulfill one’s
passion, can crumble one’s confidence, lead to stress, anxiety, depression
and anger. It may be normal to feel helpless, hapless and hopeless, all at the
same time. But you’ve got to find inner strength to rebuild your confidence
after a layoff, and bounce back!

How to manage the stress of layoffs
According to psychotherapist and life coach Dr Chandni Tugnait, losing a job
can be one of the most stressful life events a person can experience. And the
side effects of stress aren’t good for anybody!
“Job loss is said to be the second in life stressors, after the death of a spouse
or child. And it’s not just the loss of income that can be so damaging; it’s also
the loss of status, routine, and a sense of purpose,” Dr Tugnait tells Health
Shots.

What are some common feelings after being laid off?
The fear of being unemployed – suddenly – is legit! In addition to that comes
the emotional impact which includes feelings of guilt, sadness, anger,
betrayal, and shame. “All these factors can contribute to mental health
problems such as anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD),” adds Dr Tugnait.

People can go through different emotional stages of being laid off. In mental
health parlance, layoffs can trigger ‘cluster feelings’ which may be normal to
experience.

1. Anxiety, depression and desperation

The first step to handle being laid off is to acknowledge your feelings. It is also
okay to seek social and professional support to start rebuilding your life and
confidence after a layoff.
“For those who have been laid off, seeking help from a professional early on,
you can minimize the long-term effects of being laid off on your mental health,”
says Dr Tugnait.

2. Shock, sadness and confusion

It’s okay to feel like you’ve lost your identity in the process of losing your job.
This may be accompanied by a feeling of failure – of yourself or your family.
But hey, it’s normal and there’s a way to cope with this negative health effect
of a job loss. There’s a way to move on from failure.
“It’s important to allow yourself to experience these emotions and to talk about
them with someone who can understand and support you. Also, start
journaling to release pent up emotions and to gain clarity on the path ahead,”
advises Dr Tugnait.

3. Grief

If you’ve been a victim to mass layoffs, it’s natural to grieve. You may get sad,
overthink about situations and get engulfed in self-doubt. But it’s okay.
“This is not a time to beat yourself up or try to immediately find another job.
Instead, take some time for self-care (if you can). Exercise, eat healthy food,
get enough sleep, and spend time with supportive people,” says Dr Tugnait.
The expert believes these will help you to cope with the stress of
unemployment and lay the groundwork for finding your next job.
Simultaneously, you should also rebuild your confidence to start afresh with
zeal.

5 tips to recover from being laid off

Give yourself time to handle the volley of emotions you may experience as
you face a layoff. Follow these basic tips to survive the mental health effects
of a layoff, suggests Dr Tugnait:

1. Acknowledge your feelings:
It’s normal to feel upset, scared and angry after a layoff. Don’t try to bottle up
your emotions. Instead, allow yourself to grieve and process your emotions.

2. Seek social support:
Lean on your friends and family for emotional support during this difficult time.
Don’t underestimate the importance of a strong support system as you
grapple with the mental health impact of losing a job.

3. Avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms:
Maintain a safe distance from alcohol or drugs. Instead of turning to these
vices, opt for meditation or mindfulness as a healthy coping strategy.

4. Find a new purpose:
Once you’ve had time to process your layoff, start thinking about what’s next –
what are your goals and how can you achieve them?

5. Seek professional help, if needed:
If your emotions are proving to be too much to handle on your own, consider
seeking counseling or therapy.